Béla Sandor Szajcz

Béla will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marilyn, daughter Magda (Joe Frketic), son John, grandsons Aleksandor, Gabriel and Krisztian, granddaughters Ryane and Morgan, brother Zoltan (Judy), sister Magda in Hungary, sisters-in-law Shirley (Ron Dorsey), Elaine (Mark MacDougall), many nieces and nephews in Canada, Hungary and England, and dear friends.

Béla was predeceased by his parents Janos and Magdolna and brothers Janos, Pityu and Laszlo.

Béla was born in Kisvárda, Hungary and came to Canada as a refugee in March of 1957 with only a few cents in his pocket and no knowledge of the English language. But his willingness to work hard and his ability to build anything from metal or wood without using a blueprint was soon recognized by his employers. He worked for various manufacturing companies and ended his working career with John Buhler Manufacturing Company as head of the Research and Development department, retiring in 1993. Soon after retirement Béla was introduced to soapstone. He found this medium very intriguing and he spent the past 20 years sculpting many beautiful objects which have found their way to many countries throughout the world.

Béla loved the family cottage which he built on Lake Winnipeg. It was there that the family spent many happy hours fishing, boating, water skiing and watching the stars and northern lights. He also took much pleasure in gardening, surrounding both the cottage and house in Winnipeg with flowers (which always included zinnias), and providing the family with fresh produce. Although Béla’s grandchildren don’t live nearby, he cherished the times he could spend with them, both at his home and on Willow Island.

He will be remembered for his love of cooking for family and friends, his quirky sense of humour, and his strong remarkable hands that could not only mend anything but also carve beautiful sculptures from wood or stone.

A celebration of Béla’s life will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard with a reception to follow.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of 5A South Cardiology, for their compassionate and exemplary care of Béla during the last 5 weeks of his life. We would especially like to express our appreciation to Drs. Shaikh, Seifer and St. Godard and to nurses Francine, Joey, Chamiel and Dane.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, friends may make a donation in Béla’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, R3L 0K6 or to a charity of one’s choice.